This is not your average run-of-the-mill regular-season game. Minnesota United and San Diego FC come into this Saturday tied on 30 points, third in the MLS Western Conference and second, respectively. The two are separated by goal differential only.
San Diego, this offseason's expansion franchise, now is the team to beat. At five victories in their past seven contests, head coach Mikey Varas has turned an offseason-built roster into a solid, well-rounded team that doesn't back away from anybody.
Minnesota, led by thrilling Eric Ramsay, also regained form after a shaky beginning and built an impressive chain of victories. It is a face-to-face fight, and no errors can be tolerated.
The impact of a coach
Mikey Varas inherited San Diego FC with the aim of dominating an expansion club. San Diego is a team that has a sense of what it is after and defends in a structured way. They have logged 29 goals in 17 matches and conceded only 18 — performance ahead of several more experienced clubs.
Other than the numbers, there's the continuity. They beat Austin FC 2-0 in a grown-up and commanding performance. And even when they broke their recent streak of form against the Seattle Sounders, they responded with character and did not break down.
Forwards Chucky Lozano (5 goals, 7 assists) and Anders Dreyer (6 goals, 8 assists) have been the driving force of San Diego's initial success, though the Mexican player has battled through injury in the past few weeks. Another fan favorite is USMNT midfielder Luca de la Torre, who scored during the win over Austin and was called up to the Gold Cup. His absence this weekend is sorely missed.
Meanwhile, a Minnesota that recaptured its rhythm
While San Diego's search overwhelms us with the urgency of the moment, that of Minnesota overwhelms with perseverance. After an early fumbling in a crowded calendar, the Loons steadied themselves with a five-game unbeaten streak, including vital wins over St. Louis and, more symbolically, a first-ever win in Seattle. A draw with conference leaders Vancouver adds to the encouraging momentum.
Eric Ramsay managed to mold the team without necessarily requiring major adjustments. Even losing front-name players to the Gold Cup, including goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who leads the league for clean sheets, the team remained competitive. Alec Smir will probably fill in at goal, and even with the responsibility, the backline has performed well to protect that end.